tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28691717113779913792024-03-12T20:07:30.581-07:00Jesse's KitchenJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-44703711349457761142012-02-05T22:54:00.000-08:002012-02-05T22:54:02.454-08:00Renovating Jesse's Kitchen<div style="text-align: center;">Of course! The week I promise to keep my blog updated....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We do this to the kitchen:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesse's Kitchen is being renovated - literally.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it's waaaaayyyy more intense than I expected.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have such a hard time making choices to being with and now I'm trying to choose between infinite paint colors, trillions of countertop options and flooring?!?... Please tell me this is all going to turn okay! One day (possibly this lifetime) I will have my kitchen back?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a picture pre-ripping apart of the kitchen. This picture was taken in about the same spot as the above picture. We removed the wall and cabinets which really makes the kitchen look bigger.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5610.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So umm.... needless to say there's not a lot of cooking or baking going in there. Which is going to equal infrequent posts (again) for awhile. I'm sure once the improved kitchen is up and running I'll be so excited I'll bombard you with pictures and unwanted information about it so yeah.... be prepared!</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-456951347314434402012-01-25T17:06:00.000-08:002012-01-25T17:06:33.438-08:00Pumpkin Shortbread Bars<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ok, I'm going to do this.<br />
I'm going to climb out of my rut and make this happen.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you haven't noticed (*sniff), I've sorta lost my blog posting groove since last summer. I can't think of any particular reason except that life happens. And when life happens in a big way, you make take out your friend.<br />
Take out and sweets.<br />
Sugary, buttery, fattening sweets.<br />
<br />
Oh, and coffee (but that's another subject for another day!)<br />
<br />
Anyways, I'm going to<i> try </i>to at least do weekly postings again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My energetic 2 year old might be an obstacle to this goal, however I will prevail!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't hate me if I don't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These pumpkin bars are going to fuel me. They're sort of like a cross between pumpkin pie and a butter tart. Um... does that sound a-ma-zing or what?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're like me and you stock piled pumpkin puree at the end of the fall, make these.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your cupboards and mouth will thank you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><b>Pumpkin Shortbread Bars</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Makes: about 16</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Source: Slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/pumpkin-shortbread-squares/">Lauren's Latest</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For the Crust:</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1¼ cups all purpose flour</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 tbsps white sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ softened butter</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dash of salt</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ tsp vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For the filling:</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1¾ cups pumpkin puree</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup packed brown sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ tsp ground nutmeg</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup all purpose flour</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For the topping:</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup toasted pecans</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ prepared caramel sauce (I used Smucker's ice cream topping)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Directions:</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8 x 8 square dish with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large bowl combine all the crust ingredients until moist. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. In a different bowl, stir together filling ingredients until smooth. Pour over shortbread crust and smooth the top. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and nuts over the top. Press gently into the filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over top of the entire pan.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Bake 45 - 60 minutes or until pumpkin filling is firm. Cool completely. Cut into 16 equal squares. (Can be served warm or cold.)</span></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-79660951201217103122012-01-16T22:25:00.000-08:002012-01-16T22:25:47.761-08:00Brazilian Cheesebread (GF)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqLzAFaI55kBO0WUHTUWiTvNX7yn4C-eU0iZhzbBsFqLoq97PSzgw0kvI2cmE3vsyLebiXg4yQ-uYgVRsz9If9Vn1kbQSXr7r9LJ062-8ncrhjP6uAb3lcrK_6qr8FPjtaW2VjMuXu9s/s1600/DSCN7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqLzAFaI55kBO0WUHTUWiTvNX7yn4C-eU0iZhzbBsFqLoq97PSzgw0kvI2cmE3vsyLebiXg4yQ-uYgVRsz9If9Vn1kbQSXr7r9LJ062-8ncrhjP6uAb3lcrK_6qr8FPjtaW2VjMuXu9s/s400/DSCN7003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone is probably making new year's resolutions to cut down on carbs, eat healthier and exercise more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If that's you, good for you! I hope you win.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One word of advice though.... you might want to stay away from me for a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm nothing but trouble!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've never really subscribed to the whole New Year's Resolution thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One time of year we resolve to make major lifestyle changes? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seems overwhelming and destined for failure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Why yes, I know I'm a ray of sunshine :p).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't get my wrong, I'm all about resolving to change oneself. Change is good. I just prefer to tackle it day by day, and moment by moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In that spirit, I'm always resolving to try out different ingredients in my cooking or baking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This recipe interested me in particular because it's made mostly with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapioca_flour">tapioca flour</a> (starch), something that I've only used maybe once before. (For anyone wondering, tapioca flour was $1.79/425g in the supermarket's oriental section.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plus I'm a sucker for anything carby and cheesy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These were really easy to make, no kneading or rising. But there was one thing......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN7001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They had a very um..... unique texture. I'm not sure if it was unique good or unique bad.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are extremely chewy like I-thought-I-under-baked-them chewy.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost..... dare I turn you off by saying......... gluey?</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That really sounds gross but they weren't gross at all they were just different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your just going to have to try these out for your self.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Embrace them. Love them. Make them this 2012.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brazilian Cheesebread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: about 12</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://thepinkcowgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/pao-de-queijo-or-brazilian-cheese-bread.html">The Pink Cowgirl</a> via <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/special-dietary-needs/gluten-free/pao-de-queijo-brazilian-cheesebread/">Tasty Kitchen</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5f6161; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><ul class="ingredients" id="ingredients-141854" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">½ cups</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Whole Milk</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">½ cups</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Water</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ cups</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Canola Oil</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ teaspoons</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Salt (heaping)</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 32px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2-½ cups</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tapioca Flour, Or A Little More As Needed</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-½ whole</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Egg Beaten</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: 48px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 ounces, weight</span> <span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Granulated Cojita Cheese, Plus Extra For Topping Cheese Breads</span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 48px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>Directions:</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease 2 baking sheets. In a saucepan bring the milk, water, oil, and salt to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and set aside. Add the flour in increments, stirring constantly until the dough becomes pliable and can be kneaded with hands. Be patient, the more you stir the more solid the dough will become. Only add enough flour until dough reaches desired consistency. Stir in the beaten eggs then the cojita cheese. Stir until dough becomes thick and can be molded. Add additional tapioca flour if needed. Roll dough into 1″ balls and dip the tops into the extra cheese. Place on the greased baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese becomes golden brown.</span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 48px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Note: You can also use granulated parmesan cheese (Kraft) for this recipe.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></span></span></span></li>
</ul><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1854209103"></span><span id="goog_1854209104"></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-61643131677614809602011-12-11T22:35:00.000-08:002011-12-11T22:35:18.929-08:00Cranberry Seed Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6780.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made you some muffins.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with my little elf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6773.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beware that they may not have been made in the most sanitary way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elves like to lick their fingers when they bake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're still good though, no worries there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fresh, tart cranberries, with crunchy pumpkin seeds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A true seasonal delight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Cranberry Seed Muffins</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 12 large muffings</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Canadian Living 2011 Special Edition</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1¾ cups all-purpose flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¾ cups whole wheat flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup oat bran (or wheat bran)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1½ tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">⅓ cup unsalted sunflower seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">⅓ cup unsalted pumpkin seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¾ cups white sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup packed brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp finely grated orange zest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 ⅓ cups buttermilk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup butter, melted and cooled</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups thawed cranberries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Topping:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tbsp each oat bran, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) In a large bowl, whisk together flours, bran, baking powder, baking soda and salt; whisk in sunflower and pumpkin seeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2)In a separate bowl, whisk together white sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, eggs and buttermilk. Whisk in butter until combined; stir in flour mixture in 2 additions just until combined. Stir in cranberries. Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Mix together the bran, sunflower and pumpkin seeds for the topping. Sprinkle on the muffins. Bake at 375°F until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-5205560576616774212011-10-30T21:50:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:52:15.650-07:00Spicy Feta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My head is swimming, my nose is running, and there are nails in the back of my throat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ick, ick and ick.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Consequently, I've been using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Backyardigans">'The Backyardigans'</a> as babysitters for the last few days.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So unfortunately, the only thing taking residence in my brain is <i>'' We've got the whole wide world in our yard to explore. Now it's time for us to have a snack, meet you next time when your back with your friends the Backyardigans...</i>.''</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6750.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That being said, I'm going to have a snack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The jalapeños in this are going to burn out my cold and the garlic is going to boost my immunity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then I'm going to bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Spicy Feta</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Slightly adapted from: <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/crazy-feta/">How Sweet It Is</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: about 1½ cups</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 brick of feta cheese (8oz)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 whole jalapenos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 small bulb garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">juice of half a lemon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">zest of half a lemon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">salt and pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Chop the top off the garlic bulb and drizzle it with the teaspoon of olive oil. Wrap it in foil and roast for 25 - 30 minutes or until golden. At the same time, brush the jalapenos with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the in the oven until charred, about 15 - 20 minutes, rotating at least once. Remove both from the oven and let cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Once jalapenos are cooled, remove the skin, cut in half and discard the seeds and ribs. Finely chop. (Don't touch your eyes!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. In a medium bowl, crumble the feta. Add chopped jalapenos, lemon zest and juiced. Squeeze roasted garlic out of bulb and directly into the feta. Add the 3 tbsp of olive oil and mash with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. The feta will be a bit ''wet'', sort of cross between a dip and spread. Serve with pita chips, bread or spread on a sandwich. Keeps for about 1 week.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-4829217170760153972011-10-23T22:11:00.000-07:002011-10-23T22:11:34.896-07:00Vegan Banana Breakfast Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6697.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As my daughter gets a little bit older, she's becoming super eager to help me out in the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6685.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her 'help' seems to involve dumping flour on the floor, eating chocolate chips by the handful, making cakes that are 1 part wood blocks to 2 parts fridge magnets and of course sampling anything I'm making by the fistful. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by those little fists.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A one year old can get a lot of cookie batter in there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This breakfast bar (anything with oatmeal can be eaten for breakfast, right?) was a good little baking project for her and I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The batter has no eggs (hello, it's vegan!) so I really didn't mind if she sampled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then sampled again. And again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then just took a spoon and shoveled it in, all the while screaming ''MINE!!! MINE!!! MINE!!!!!".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd like to say I'm kidding but that is pretty much how it played out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6694.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is super easy to make and a tasty grab and go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can switch up the cranberries for different dried fruits and the chocolate chips for nuts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6690.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're feeling brave and like you want to spend some extra time cleaning the kitchen.... let little hands get involved by squishing the banana, adding in the dry ingredients and mixing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(But don't say I didn't warn you.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Vegan Banana Breakfast Bars</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: about 9 bars</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from: Eat, Live, Run</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 very ripe banana</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/3 cup canola oil</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3/4 cup whole wheat flour</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2/3 cup dried cranberries</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2/3 cup dark (pure) chocolate chips</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 tsp baking soda</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 tsp salt</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 tsp cinnamon</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 cups quick cooking oats (or old fashioned oats pulsed in a food processor for a few moments)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Directions:</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork and then add the canola oil and brown sugar. Mix well until there are no sugar lumps left.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In another (smaller) bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and oats. Mix into wet ingredients and add cranberries and chocolate chips.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Pat batter down into a greased square 8-inch pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until edges are golden. Let cool before cutting into squares.</div><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-21302834746161308522011-10-16T16:56:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:56:14.113-07:00German Chocolate Cake Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do I really need to discuss the merit of joining german chocolate cake and cookies into one glorious baked treat?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Does not the name say it all?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">German. Chocolate. Cake. Cookies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is this something you think you can handle?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I barely could.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6661.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pecans, brown sugar and coconut on top of a chocolate cookie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not sure that it gets better than this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake a batch of these and share them with a friend.... just don't skimp on the frosting or you might lose that friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>German Chocolate Cake Cookies</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cobbler-Murder-Hannah-Swensen-Mysteries/dp/0758201559/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318807971&sr=8-1">Peach Cobbler Murder</a> by Joanne Fluke</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Cookie Dough:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup milk chocolate chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups white sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp vanilla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Frosting:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup packed brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¾ cup packed shredded coconut</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup chopped pecans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup chilled butter, cut into 4 pieces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 egg yolks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Use a doubler boiler or your microwave to melt together the chocolate chips and butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. In a seperate bowl, beat together the white sugar and eggs until well mixed and smooth. Slowly add the cooled chocolate mixture and continue to beat. Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla and flour. Mix well. Cover the dough and set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. In a food processor, chop up the brown sugar and coconut until the coconut is very fine. Add the pecans a butter. Process until the butter is in small bits. Add the egg yolks and continue to process until completely incorporated. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate the frosting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once the oven is heated, pat the cookie dough into 1'' balls. Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet (leave lots of room for spreading). Press down in the center of each ball to make a deep indentation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Pat the chilled frosting into ½" balls and place in the indentations. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to completely cool before enjoying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-66931254896324359522011-09-24T06:24:00.000-07:002011-09-24T06:24:32.441-07:00Sour Cream Twists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where did summer go?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel like I went inside my house to escape the heat and when I left the next morning the leaves were changing colors and the temperature had dropped 10 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of sudden I'm digging for down filled jackets and wholly boots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not complaining though.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Definitely not!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the fall. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love being able to cook roasts and bake breads and pies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To me, there's not much better than coming out of the cold and being hit with the smell of fresh baked bread laced with roasted meat and cinnamon sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">YUM and YUM.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's why I made these sour cream twists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty much just for the smell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I could bake these and bottle the scent, I'd be a billionaire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No joke. Probably even a gillionaire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not only do they smell a-mazing, they also taste dee-licious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dough is really tangy and soft while the cinnamon sugar filling is the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I won't be waiting too long to make these again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake these! Your house will smell fantastic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Sour Cream Twists</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 24 twists</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Della's Favorites</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup sour cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup warm water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp butter, softened</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tbsp white sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 cups all purpose flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp butter, melted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">⅓ cup brown sugar, packed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp cinnamon </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Heat sour cream to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in sour cream, butter, sugar, salt, egg and one cup flour. Beat until smooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Mix in remaining flour until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. Knead on a floured board until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Roll into a rectangle, 24'' x 6''. Brush with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over a lengthwise half of the rectangle. Fold the other half over the sugar half. Cut into one inch strips, holding the strips at each end. Twist in opposite directions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Place 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet, pressing the ends on the sheet. Cover and let rise until double in size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Heat oven to 375°F. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. If you want, drizzle with a glaze.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-496142662066555892011-07-19T07:42:00.000-07:002011-07-19T07:42:13.574-07:00Garlic Bread Sticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes..... well..... ahem...... these look a bit rude, don't they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were really just supposed to look like a bread stick; the phallic resemblance was completely unintentional.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm even a bit embarrassed looking at that top photo. Let's just move on to photos of dough. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, innocent looking dough..... much better!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyways...... these breadsticks were inspired by a Glee eposide via the Food Network.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apparently somewhere in the show the winners of a duet competition get a dinner at a fictional place called BreadstiX where, ironically (not), the breadsticks, much like these ones, are bottomless.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't say that I care very much about Glee, but I do care about bread.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I care deeply about bread.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Especially bread that is soft, chewy, garlicky and accidentally inappropriately shaped.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6196.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These were really great fresh out of the oven but didn't keep well. By the next day they were getting a bit dry. In the future, I might try freezing them in dough sticks then taking them out to rise just before I bake them.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't worry, if you don't know anything about Glee (like me) you can still enjoy these yummy breadsticks.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Garlic Bread Sticks</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Food Network</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 12</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span></span></div><ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon active dry yeast</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 teaspoons sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 clove garlic, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme and/or oregano), for sprinkling</li>
</ul><h2 style="color: #3d3d3d; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</span></span></i></span></h2><div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="instruction" style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Put 3/4 cup warm water in a food processor. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and pulse until dissolved. Add the flour, olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter and pulse until the dough forms a ball, about 1 minute. Continue to process with the motor running until smooth, about 2 more minutes.</div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; brush with olive oil. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 pieces, then roll each piece into a 12-to-16-inch rope. Arrange the ropes 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, rolling them to coat with the oil. Cover each baking sheet with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm place until the breadsticks double in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.</div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the garlic in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 1 minute. Brush the breadsticks with the garlic butter; sprinkle with herbs and salt. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.</div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-9619952867095300452011-07-14T16:15:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:15:20.419-07:00Kitchen Sink Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These cookies have a little bit of everything in them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dried cranberries, toasted pecans, oats and chocolate chips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Normally, I'm just a straight-up, no frills <a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/chocolate-chip-cookies.html">chocolate chip cookie</a> kind of girl but occasionally, very occasionally, I get a hankering for something a little bit more interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6199.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Given that yesterday the skies decided to open up and release an ocean of rain on Revelstoke, it seemed like a good day to turn on the oven to restock my cookie supply. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I am amply supplied with cookies at all times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had seen a recipe for <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/318265/johns-kitchen-sink-cookies">John's Kitchen Sink Cookies</a> from Martha Stewart that piqued my interest but when I checked it out it had corn syrup in it. I don't know why but it doesn't seem right to put corn syrup in cookies so instead, I settled on this recipe from the Food Network magazine and made a few changes (as always).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make these with whatever's in your cupboard, raisins, toffee chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, you name it! Sandwich them between vanilla ice cream for a quick and delicious summer dessert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Kitchen Sink Cookies</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes about 20</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/nutty-white-chocolate-and-peach-oatmeal-cookies-recipe/index.html">the Food Network</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¾ cup flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup white sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">pinch of salt </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 ½ cup rolled oats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup dried cranberries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup toasted, chopped pecans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup chocolate chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and light brown, dark brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix on low speed until incorporated. Slowly add the flour mixture, oats, dried cranberries, pecans and chocolate chips and mix until combined.</span></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. With wet hands, make 20 balls from the dough and put on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Press down on the dough balls with the palm of your hand to make flat circles.</span></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Bake the cookies until golden and still a bit tender in the center, 15 to 17 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheets for 1 minute, then transfer the cookies to a rack to cool completely.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-18845329350500005422011-07-11T23:21:00.000-07:002011-07-11T23:21:24.955-07:00Summer Quinoa Salad<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It seems that I have a crush on quinoa.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/breakfast-quinoa.html">Breakfast Quinoa.</a><br />
<a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/03/crunchy-quinoa-parfait.html">Crunchy Quinoa.</a><br />
<a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/mango-chicken-curry-quinoa-salad.html">Mango Chicken Curry Quinoa Salad.</a><br />
<br />
It's just fun to say: keen-wah, keen-wah, keen-wah, keen-wah, keen-wah...........keen-wah.<br />
<br />
Actually, I like that it's so versatile.<br />
You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner and even dessert.<br />
<br />
Unlike a lot of other foods, I find the leftovers really easy to use up. You can throw leftover quinoa in soup, smoothies (yes, blended up!), <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2010/11/09/gluten-free-chocolate-quinoa-cake/">chocolate cake</a> (you heard me) and of course salad like, conveniently, the one I have right here.<br />
<br />
This salad is a mixture of chicken, raw veggies, quinoa and feta in a lemony vinaigrette. The recipe for the dressing is a bit rough so if you make it you'll have to adjust the ingredients to your liking.<br />
<br />
Try it out and bring it to your next picnic.<br />
Hope you like it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Summer Quinoa Salad</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jesse's Kitchen Creation</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes about 4 cups</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>For the salad:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cup cooked quinoa</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup cooked chicken, shredded</div><div style="text-align: left;">½ head broccoli, diced</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 sweet red bell pepper, diced</div><div style="text-align: left;">¼ cup crumbled feta</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>For the dressing:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 shallot, minced</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp dijon mustard</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp maple syrup </div><div style="text-align: left;">3 tbsp fresh lemon juice</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp red wine vinegar</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 tbsp olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp minced parsley.</div><div style="text-align: left;">salt and pepper to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. In a large bowl combine together all the salad ingredients. In a small bowl whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled. (Doesn't keep well).</div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-1683034998950170302011-07-08T08:06:00.000-07:002011-07-08T08:06:58.286-07:00Raw Lemon Chews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6144.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow! It's like a trillion degrees here. No joke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just think about going outside and I get a sunburn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday, I posted on Facebook that I couldn't wait for winter and I was bombarded with hate mail.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you believe that? I even got a buh humbug.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who cares that we only get 2 months of summer here compared to 8 months of heavy snow; the summer heat is oppressive!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I consider myself too much of a lady to sweat like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since I can't turn my oven on for fear that my house will burst into flames with the temperature rise, I made these cool, somewhat refreshing lemony treats. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're not hot, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies but they do fill a certain void for sweetness in my life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The date, almond, lemon mixture is so sweet that I'm pretty sure my one year old thinks they're candy. She steals them from the fridge and hides in the corner in fear that I'm going to take them away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, I think it's great that she likes them and even considers them a treat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So if you're feeling the need for a sweet baked good without the baking, try out these babies. I know you'll love them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Raw Lemon Chews</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes an 8'' x 8'' pan</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bar: Jesse's Kitchen original recipe</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Icing: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe based on the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://therawtarian.com/raw-chocolate-icing/">Rawtarian</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<i>For the bar:</i><br />
1 cup whole, raw almonds<br />
¾ cup dried dates<br />
1 lemon (preferably organic)<br />
<br />
<i>For the icing (optional):</i><br />
½ cup dried dates<br />
¼ + ⅛ cups water<br />
¼ cup coconut butter<br />
1 tsp lemon zest<br />
2 tsp fresh lemon juice<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
1. Use your food processor to grind up the almonds into a coarse meal. Set almonds aside and grind dates as fine as you can. Add the zest and juice of one whole lemon and continue to process. Add the almonds and process for a few minutes until the mixture sticks together. Press the mixture into an 8'' x 8'' pan.<br />
2. To make the icing, soak the dates in the water for about 15 minutes. Blend all of the icing ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor until smooth (mine didn't really get that smooth). Start on a low speed and gradually work your way up.<br />
3. Spread the icing over the bar and refrigerate until firm. Cut into square or use a biscuit cutter to make pretty little rounds.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-18753919860964586372011-07-05T15:44:00.000-07:002011-07-05T15:44:06.083-07:00Tomato Ricotta Tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes when I cook I pretend I'm working in a restaurant being featured on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html">Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I show Guy Fieri how I make my signature dish from scratch.<br />
Of course, I always make a point of telling him that I only use fresh, local ingredients and organic whenever possible. (Liar!!)<br />
<br />
During the cooking process, he's constantly stealing bits of cheese and herbs to 'taste test'.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When the finished product comes out of the oven he raves about the complexity of flavors in my dish and then gives me a fist bump and a good work to end the show.<br />
<br />
Like the show, my dishes are always delicious and unlike anything else he's ever tried at the one million other restaurants he's been to. (HA!)<br />
<br />
Although that last statement is dripping with skepticism (or at least it was when I said it in my head), I do think this tart would meet that criteria.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It kind of reminds me of a quiche but without the eggy texture. It's really perfect for brunch or lunch and is packed with flavor which is a bit surprising given how few ingredients it uses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This tart will probably never make it's debut on Triple D.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it'll always be a star in my kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tomato Ricotta Tart</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 1 x 9'' tart</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Slightly Adapted from:<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/312700/tomato-ricotta-tart"> Martha Stewar</a>t (who else?)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
2 cups fresh bread crumbs<br />
¼ cup olive oil plus more for brushing<br />
1 cup ricotta cheese<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, rosemary etc.)<br />
¼ cup grated parmesan<br />
salt and pepper<br />
1 large tomato<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"></span><br />
<div class="recipe-section instructions" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="item-list" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ol class="content-multigroup-group-steps" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="step first" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a 9-inch springform pan, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil; press evenly into bottom.</span></div></li>
<li class="step" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a bowl, whisk ricotta with Parmesan, eggs, and herbs; season generously with salt and pepper. Spread over crust; arrange tomatoes on top. Brush with olive oil.</span></div></li>
<li class="step last" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake until tomatoes are almost dry, 35 to 45 minutes; let cool. Unmold. Serve warm or at room temperature.</span></div></li>
</ol></div></div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-22587431725255476012011-06-22T23:16:00.000-07:002011-06-22T23:18:24.622-07:00Black Forest Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6097.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My jeans have been mysteriously shrinking in the wash.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I refuse to believe it has anything to do with these cookies.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or the 40 peanut butter cups I ate last week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You think I'm joking or exaggerating but I'm not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a chocolate and peanut butter addiction.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It can not be cured.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just accept it and try to live my life the best I can.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made these cookies to try to get myself off <i>'the cups'</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It worked for about 5 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I ran out of cookies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6059.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next time I'll be sure to make a double batch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Black Forest Cookies</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: about 36</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/337190/black-forest-cookies?czone=food/cookie-of-the-day">Martha Stewart</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5a57; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;"></span></div><div class="ingredients recipe-section" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="item-list" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul class="content-multigroup-group-ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="ingredient first" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 large eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 package (about 12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chunks</li>
<li class="ingredient last" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/2 cups dried cherries</li>
</ul></div></div><div class="recipe-section instructions" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><h2 style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; font: normal normal 100 20px/23px museo-slab-1, museo-slab-2, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 10px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Directions:</span></i></h2><div class="item-list" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ol class="content-multigroup-group-steps" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="step first" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder; and salt; set aside.</div></li>
<li class="step" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;">Place chopped chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat; whisk in sugars, then eggs, until smooth.</div></li>
<li class="step" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;">Whisk in dry ingredients just until combined (do not overmix). Fold in chocolate chunks and dried cherries; press plastic wrap directly onto surface of dough, and refrigerate until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.</div></li>
<li class="step last" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;">Drop mounds of dough (equal to 2 level tablespoons) about 2 inches apart onto prepared sheets. Bake just until edges are firm (but not darkening), 11 to 13 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.</div></li>
</ol></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-40457777094753031162011-06-20T00:12:00.000-07:002011-06-20T00:12:28.932-07:00Cherry Almond Granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chunky nuts and tart cherries make this my favorite granola. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's saying a lot if you've ever tried the <a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/peanut-butter-and-chocolate-granola.html">peanut butter and chocolate granola</a> on this site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't really describe to you why this is so great, it just is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something about the toasted nuts and warm cinnamon make this granola both nutritional and decadent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All I can say is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eat it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Repeat.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Cherry Almond Granola</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: about 6 cups</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/285175/homemade-granola">Martha Stewart</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup coarsely chopped almonds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup coarsely chopped pecans</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup dried cherries</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup sweetened dried coconut flakes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ tsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pinch of salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">⅓ cup coconut oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup honey</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">½ cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><div class="recipe-section instructions" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="item-list" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ol class="content-multigroup-group-steps" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="step first" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together oats, almonds, pecans, cherries, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.</span></div></li>
<li class="step last" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.38em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a small saucepan, combine oil, honey, and sugar. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Drizzle syrup over oat mixture; toss with a wooden spoon. Pour granola onto sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden (about 25 minutes). Let granola cool completely on a wire rack. Break it into chunks and store in an airtight container.</span></div></li>
</ol></div></div></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-88865374264537031932011-06-15T09:29:00.000-07:002011-06-15T09:29:21.488-07:00Chinese Chicken Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Occasionally I emerge from my sugar coma and I'm forced to make something other than cookies for dinner. It usually happens around the time that I'm looking in the fridge and realize I have a bunch of vegetables that are going to be compost if I don't eat them, and soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This event occurred yesterday. (Mark it on your calender.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometime between my 12th Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and 27th maple glazed almond I spotted <a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/06/10/chinese-chicken-salad/">this </a>recipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shock that I had all the ingredients on hand to make this wonderful looking salad propelled me into motion. (Not to mention my secret love affair with <a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/mango-chicken-curry-quinoa-salad.html">chicken salad </a>sans mayo.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The results were spectacular and well worth setting aside the junk food for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This salad is bursting with flavor and has lots of great texture and color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN6022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Try it out for you next lunch, supper or picnic! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Chinese Chicken Salad</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 6</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from: <a href="http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/06/10/chinese-chicken-salad/">A Farm Girl's Dabbles</a> but originally from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_949070322">Barefoot </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_949070322">Contessa</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Contessa-Parties-Recipes-Really/dp/0609606441/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308114295&sr=8-1"> Parties!</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>For the salad:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 large chicken breasts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp melted butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">salt and pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ lb sugar snap peas, cut into 1'' pieces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 sweet bell peppers (red, orange or green), cored and seeded and sliced into 1'' pieces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup coarsely grated carrot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ cup raw chow mein noodles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>For the dressing:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">⅛ cup apple cider vinegar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup soy sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp sesame oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tbsp honey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 large garlic clove, minced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tsp fresh ginger, minced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup creamy natural peanut butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp fresh ground pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. First, prepare chicken. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush melted butter all over the chicken and season liberally with salt and pepper. Place on a foil lined sheet pan and roast for 35 - 40 minutes, until chicken is just cooked. Once chicken is completely cooled, use to forks to shred the chicken in bite sized pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Combine the shredded chicken, snap peas, bell peppers, carrots and chow mein noodles in a large bowl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Gently combine. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp of sesame seeds over the salad and season to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-18998072385622922472011-06-12T22:08:00.000-07:002011-06-12T22:08:31.395-07:00Balance Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you notice I've been away for awhile?<br />
Well <b><i>I </i></b>haven't actually been away.<br />
My blog has been away from me.... ie: I was somehow blocked from my Blogger account.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5965.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You don't believe me. I can tell. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it's true.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've still been cooking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, mostly baking. That's what I do best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just haven't been able to share the baking love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My lovin' from the oven... if you will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You don't have to worry about missing out on baking love anymore, because I'm back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5968.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't want to kill you with sugar and butter and chocolate right off the bat (although that would be a nice way to die, wouldn't it?) so I made you some gluten free, dairy free, egg free cookies.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Packed with toasty almonds and sesame seeds these are tasty and appropriate for people with all kinds of allergies.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Except nuts. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turn off your computer and walk away if you have a nut allergy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Balance Cookies</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: about 2 dozen</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Anna-Olson/dp/1552859460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307941513&sr=8-1">In the Kitchen with Anna</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups brown rice flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup ground almonds<br />
3 tbsp lightly toasted sesame seeds<br />
½ tsp ground cinnamon<br />
¼ tsp fine salt<br />
⅓ cup honey<br />
¼ cup vegetable oil<br />
whole almonds for garnish<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.<br />
2. Stir the rice flour, ground almonds, sesame seeds, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. In a seperate bow, whisk the honey and oil and add to the rice flour mixture.<br />
3. Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and use your hands to shape each into a ball, placing 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press each cookie to flatten and press a whole almond into the center of each. 4. Bake 1 sheet at a time for about 15 minutes or until cookies start to brown a little on the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-73813829749926291372011-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-18T07:00:02.299-07:00Broccoli Cheddar Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to be one of those people that drink sangria on their decks in the evenings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Preferably a fruity rosé with citrus undertones and a crisp afterbirth (<i>The Office, anyone?</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5949.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sad truth is I'm more of a sit on my couch with a bowl of soup and bread person. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Light on the soup, heavy on the bread, please.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Give mama some comfort food and don't skip on the carbs! That's all I'm sayin'.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This broccoli and cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made it yesterday while the heavens opened up and wept all over Revelstoke. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or less poetically, while it rained <i>all</i> day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The aroma of cooked onions and simmering vegetables was heavenly. It only took a few minutes to prepare and I would say it rivals any restaurant soup of the same variety that I've ever had.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Give it go....or be a loser and drink your stupid sangria.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Broccoli Cheddar Soup</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/almost-famous-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe/index.html">Food Network</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 4 servings</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 tbsp butter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 small onion, diced</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">¼ cup all purpose flour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups whole milk</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 cup chicken or vegetable stock</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 bay leaves</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">⅛ tsp nutmeg</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 cups broccoli florets ( I used the stems too)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 large carrot, peeled and diced</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1½ cups grated sharp white or yellow cheddar plus more to garnish</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span></span></div><div class="instruction" style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</span></i></span></span></div><div class="instruction" style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Melt</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the butter in a large </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="27 36" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/dutch-oven/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dutch oven</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="117 121" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/whisk/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whisk</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the flour and cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes, then gradually whisk in the half-and-half until smooth. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until thickened, about 20 minutes.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Add the broccoli and carrot to the broth mixture and </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="722 727" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/simmer/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">simmer</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> until tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Puree the </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="795 798" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/soup/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">soup</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in batches in a blender until smooth; you'll still have flecks of carrot and broccoli. Return to the pot. (Or puree the soup in the pot with an </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="944 960" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/immersion-blender/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">immersion blender</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.)</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Add the </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="977 982" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cheese/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cheese</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to the soup and whisk over medium heat until melted. Add up to 3/4 cup water if the soup is too thick. Ladle into bowls and </span></span></span><a class="crosslink" debug="1118 1124" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/garnish/index.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">garnish</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> with cheese.</span></span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-16199213602932802732011-05-15T21:11:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:11:57.304-07:00Classic Vanilla Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Did you see my post on roasting peppers?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hmm.... it was there for about a day or so.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then something happened. It mysteriously disappeared.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think the internet ate it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Is there like an internet sewer somewhere? You know I place where postings that have been eaten and then um.... <i>excreted</i> are found?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5924.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a little afraid that this awesome cupcake recipe is going to end up in the internet sewer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It really deserves much better than that. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It deserves to be on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/cupcake-wars/index.html">Cupcake Wars</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(It's a good thing I don't have cable or I'd never turn the food network off.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please make these cupcakes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please give them a chance.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or if you're in the neighborhood, come over to my house and eat mine so that I don't.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to eat them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I do. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, I can't stop eating them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I must! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a new bathing suit and at this rate, it'll never see the light of day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with classic chocolate icing</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 24 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paula-Deens-First-Cookbook-Spiral-bound/dp/B002YE7VNO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305515876&sr=8-2">Paula Deen's My First Cookbook</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>For the cupcake:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¾ cup butter, softened</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups granulated sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 ½ cups cake flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 ½ tsp baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">⅛ tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup whole milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp vanilla extract </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>For the icing:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup butter, softened </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tbsps milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 tbsps cocoa powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups icing sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp vanilla extract</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl cream together the sugar and the butter for about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well with after each addition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, along with half the milk. Beat well, then add the rest of the flour mixture and milk. Add the vanilla and beat again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Put 24 liners into the cupcake pan. Pour the batter into the liners, filling a little more than half full.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Bake the cupcakes for about 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove the cupcakes and place on a wire rack for about 15 minutes to cool. Meanwhile, make the icing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. To make the icing, put the butter, milk, cocoa powder, icing sugar and vanilla into a large bowl and beat until the mixture is very smooth. Ice cooled cupcakes.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-89874830142286952182011-05-09T08:17:00.000-07:002011-05-09T08:17:08.274-07:00Caramel Root Beer Float<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made some really lovely things last week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lemon frozen yogurt and toffee bars to name a few. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, a week of bad luck and some computer mishaps left me with no pictures of said lovelies :(<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5879.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While drowning my sorrows in an A&W root beer float, I had a moment of inspiration.<br />
They're rare and far between but occasionally I have them, moments of inspiration that is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5876.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought to myself, "Self, this would taste pretty amazing with a healthy drizzle of caramel..... No, wait! a healthy drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top.''</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because I generally always do what the voices in my head tell me to do, I bought some ice cream and some root beer and made a batch of <a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/easy-caramel-sauce.html">caramel sauce</a> and let the voices take over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Listen to your inner voice and try this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you like root beer floats, you'll<i> love</i> this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Caramel Root Beer Float</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how to make a float. Make sure you buy really good vanilla ice cream and extra bubbly root beer. Top it with <a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/easy-caramel-sauce.html">homemade caramel sauce</a> (with a pinch of fleur de sel if you're feeling sassy).</div></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-16388449687148716202011-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:002011-05-04T08:42:21.764-07:00Apple Carrot Coconut Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5836.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These were almost too pretty to eat.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Almost.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I eat all things. Pretty or not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5824.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought these would be easy to throw together in the morning and be ready for breakfast once my family woke up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took me <i>forever</i> to grate the apples and carrots and apparently weighing out ingredients versus measuring volume takes me double the amount of time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time these were ready it was nearly lunch time and I'd filled up on ice cream cake and cookies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still managed to eat 3 but had to freeze the rest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The combination of apples, carrots, coconut and walnuts was nice but next time I'll use a recipe with volumes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Apple Carrot Coconut Muffins</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 18 muffins</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Apples-Inspiring-Recipes-Conran-Kitchen/dp/1840914041/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304487005&sr=8-1">Apples: more than 70 inspiring recipes</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Muffins:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 large eggs</div><div style="text-align: left;">300g light brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">125 ml vegetable oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">125 ml applesauce</div><div style="text-align: left;">450g self rising flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tsps ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: left;">pinch of salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">300g coarsely grated carrots</div><div style="text-align: left;">150g flaked coconut</div><div style="text-align: left;">100g walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tsps baking soda</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Topping:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">50g walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">50g flaked coconut</div><div style="text-align: left;">75g brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 18 muffin cups with muffin papers.</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. To make the topping, mix together the walnuts, coconut and sugar and set aside.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Combine the eggs with the sugar, oil and applesauce in a bowl. In a separate bowl combine the other ingredients and fold into the oil mixture. Spoon into the muffin papers and top with the sugar mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until well risen and firm to the touch. </div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-61130905240847822362011-05-02T09:29:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:29:46.085-07:00Crepes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a bad day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I need crepes. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Please make me some. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be in bed with my head under the covers, m'kay?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just want to forget that I lost my keys, drove over my phone, and hit a neighbour's brand new travel trailer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the scheme of life these things aren't very important but today, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">they seem pretty big.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best thing to do on a bad day is <s>stay in bed wallowing in your sorrow and filth</s> eat a good breakfast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haven't you heard? It's the most important meal of the day... next to dessert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So if I could just muster up the courage to make these crepes the skies will clear up, I will find all that's been lost, wrongs will be righted and life will be good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well maybe not all of that will happen. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But getting out of bed and making some crepes is a good start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Crepes</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 12</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_566640934">Wonderful Ways to Prepare Crepes and Pancakes by Jo </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_566640934">ann</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Ways-Prepare-Crepes-Pancakes/dp/0869081586/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1304352732&sr=8-25"> Shirley</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 ¼ cups milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup all purpose flour (I used ½ barley flour)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp vegetable oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions: </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Beat together eggs and milk with an electric blender or whisk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Sift the four with the salt and add to egg and milk mixture</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Add vegetable oil and blend thoroughly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. If beating by hand, strain mixture through sieve to remove lumps (I'm much to lazy to do that! But you can if you want to.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Allow mixture to stand for at least one hour before using. If mixture is too thick, add a little milk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Pour 1 or 2 tbsp of batter into the center of a hot, lightly oiled frypan. Tilt pan to spread the mixture around the edges of the pan. Cook until top is dry. Turn over and cook other side for about 15 seconds. Serve with fresh berries and whip cream or serve with cheese sauce and sliced ham for a savory crepe.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-61821921249053400612011-04-27T22:57:00.000-07:002011-04-27T22:57:34.657-07:00Spiced Pecans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5695.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Darn you, discounted Easter candy and your allure!</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are evil. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 2 (almost empty) family sized bags of mini eggs on my dining room table are proof.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Proof that discounted candy tastes much better than full price candy.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also proof that I lack complete self control when it comes to a) sales, b) candy, and c) eating candy that was on sale.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And by the way, 'family sized' really means 'Jesse sized'.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning my husband asked me to make him mini egg pancakes and I was like, 'That's gross. Mini eggs are gross'. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to lie.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't want to share my precious egg stash. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I actually think mini egg pancakes are a pretty fantastic idea and I'm jealous I didn't think of it first.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5692.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another great idea (I also didn't think up) is these pecans. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salty, sweet and spicy.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're a big blast of flavor in your mouth.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're definitely not gonna rock your world like a bag of mini eggs stuffed into some pancakes but they do jazz up a salad and make a pretty tasty snack.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know. I know.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was just talking about mini eggs and now you're craving some and all I'm leaving you with is a recipe for pecans. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's tough. I'm mean. I'm sorry. Try the pecans.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Spiced Pecan</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 1 cup</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from : <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Pantry-Recipes-Sustainable-Seasonal/dp/1594853460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303970191&sr=8-1">Urban Pantry </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 tbsp + 4 tbsp brown sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp cinnamon </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp cayenne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp turmeric</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp paprika</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">½ tsp nutmeg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">¼ cup peanut oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup whole pecans</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Directions:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. In a medium bowl combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric, paprika, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Cover the bottom of a large sauté pan with the peanut oil and heat on medium high. When oil begins to ripple add pecans - stir frequently so they don't burn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. When pecans start to smoke add 4 tbsp of brown sugar and toss, toss, toss so the sugar doesn't burn. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pecans with a slotted spoon and add them to the measured out spices. Working quickly, stir to combine. When mixture has cooled enough to taste, adjust spices to your liking. Pour on a pan to cool completely. Store sealed at room temperature.</div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-46170808307197822912011-04-25T08:12:00.000-07:002011-04-25T08:12:55.088-07:00Energy Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like things that are easy to make, use simple ingredients and take almost no time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who doesn't?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If a recipe is healthy to boot and can fit in the busy hands of a one year old, you can be sure I'll be wasting no time in making it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like these little energy bites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't tell you enough how much I love the simplicity of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're customizable, using whatever might be in your cupboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They take less than 10 minutes to throw together, they're portable, they don't contain filler or mystery ingredients, and they're just plain tasty....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to marry them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wonder if <a href="http://jesses-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/ice-cream-sandwich-cake.html">John</a> would mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5806.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Make these, and you'll see what I mean. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Energy Bites</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 12 - 16 bites</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/2011/04/peanut-butter-and-oat-energy-bites.html#more">The Cilantropist </a> (originally from <a href="http://ahungryspoon.blogspot.com/2011/03/power-up.html">A Hungry Spoon</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">¾ cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, tahini, etc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">¾ cup rolled oats</div><div style="text-align: left;">¼ cup toasted seeds (sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, etc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">½ cup dried fruit, roughly chopped (apricots, cranberries, cherries, etc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tbsp ground flaxseed</div><div style="text-align: left;">½ tsp kosher salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tbsp honey</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Make sure to evenly distribute everything. Take some of the 'dough' and press it between your hands if it sticks together it's ready- if not, add a bit more nut butter. Likewise, if it feels too wet add some more oats or flax.<br />
2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To form the dough into a small bite, use a spoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough, squeeze it between your hands, and then gently roll it into a ball. This amount of dough makes 12 bites that are about 2 inches in diameter. Store the bites in an airtight container, and keep them refrigerated until eating. Bites will keep for 1-2 weeks refrigerated.</span></span></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869171711377991379.post-57668677891261531862011-04-21T22:53:00.000-07:002011-04-21T22:53:55.232-07:00Whole Wheat Pitas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're celebrating Passover this week and doing the whole flour-free thing, I apologize for tempting you with this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I realize it's cruel to dangle this soft, flavorful homemade pita in front of your eyes when you're probably eating something made with matzo meal. (I haven't actually tried anything made with matzo so please forgive my ignorance if it's actually super delicious.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5784.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover">Feast of Unleavened Bread</a> is over, I encourage everyone to try making their own pitas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You'll never ever go back to store bought ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you do, you'll feel completely disappointed with yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unless, of course, you're in a rush and just don't have the time, then it's okay.... you don't have to feel disappointed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Try making these today.... or next week if you must. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just be careful when sticking your head in the 500 degree oven, you're mascara might want to melt to your eyeballs. For the ultimate protection, break out your safety goggles... or just improvise with a nice pair of shades ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/jesses-kitchen/DSCN5777.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Whole Wheat Pitas</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Makes: 8</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/1146">Confections of a Foodie Bride</a> and <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2010/04/20/whole-wheat-pita-bread/">Annie's Eats</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2¼ tsp active dry yeast<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />1 tbsp honey<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />1¼ cups warm water (105°F - 115°F)<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />1½ cups bread flour or high-gluten flour, plus additional for kneading<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />1½ cups whole wheat flour<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />1 tsp salt<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />cornmeal for sprinkling baking sheets</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Directions:</i></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, honey and ½ cup of the water. Stir gently to blend. Whisk ¼ cup of the bread flour and ¼ cup of the whole wheat flour into the yeast mixture until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside until doubled in bulk and bubbly, about 45 minutes.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"> 2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Remove the plastic wrap and return the bowl to the mixer stand, fitted with the dough hook. Add in the remaining ¾ cup of warm water, 1¼ cups bread flour, 1¼ cups whole wheat flour, olive oil and salt. Knead on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Transfer the ball of dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat, and let rise in a warm draft-free place, about 1 hour, until doubled in bulk.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">3. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Place an oven rack in the middle position. Place a baking stone in the oven (if using) and preheat to 500˚ F.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.75em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">4. Once the dough has risen, transfer to a lightly floured work surface, punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball. Flatten one ball at a time into a disk, then roll out into a 6½-7 inch circle. Transfer the rounds to a baking sheet or other work surface lightly sprinkled with cornmeal. Once all the rounds have been shaped, loosely cover with clean kitchen towels. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, until slightly puffy.</span></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.75em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">5. Transfer 4 pitas, 1 at a time, onto the baking surface. </span></span></span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">(Note: These can be baked on a baking stone or directly on the oven racks. I use a pizza stone, but either method is fine.) </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Bake 2 minutes, until puffed and pale golden. Gently flip the pitas over using tongs and bake 1 minute more. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely. Repeat with the remaining pitas. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.</span></span></span></div></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10900725200058945641noreply@blogger.com0